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For years, Ravens fans have been asking for more weapons at wide receiver.
Now, they have them.
GM Ozzie Newsome was busy shopping in the receiver department this offseason, bringing in one big-name veteran, one speedster with a lot to prove, and a sure-handed rookie.
Add it all up and it makes the wide receiving corps quite possibly the most improved part of the Ravens' roster.
Here are the guys that will be competing in training camp:
Anquan Boldin, 6-1, 217 pounds, 8th NFL season
Where he stands: Ravens fans wanted Anquan Boldin, and here he is. Boldin finally gives the Ravens a No. 1 receiver, having topped 1,000 receiving yards in five of his seven seasons. He will give Joe Flacco a big, strong target over the middle of the field, something the Ravens have lacked for some time.
What must be done: Because of Boldin's physical style of play, injuries tend to find him. Often. Boldin has played a full 16 game season just twice in his career, so keeping him on the field will be priority No. 1 this year. Boldin has spent lots of time running routes and working with Flacco this offseason, but the two need to keep improving their chemistry. The more they click, the smoother this offense will run.
Derrick Mason, 5-10, 192 pounds, 14th NFL season
Where he stands: After serving as the Ravens' top wide receiver the last five seasons, Mason will have to embrace a new role and the fact that he will get fewer balls thrown his way this year. He seems to be OK with that so far. While he might now be the No. 2 wideout, Mason still has a great rapport with Flacco and is a consistent, reliable option in the passing game.
What must be done: As one of the team's most vocal leaders and the elder statesman of the wide receiving corps, Mason has to make sure that the group meshes well together. The Ravens have a lot more talent at the position this year than in the past, but they can't let egos or individual goals get in the way of the team's overall aspirations. Mason will be a key factor in making sure the offensive chemistry is where it needs to be.
Donte' Stallworth, 6-0, 220 pounds, 8th NFL season
Where he stands: No one really knows what to expect of Stallworth, which makes him the wild card in this group. The former Tennessee star has yet to live up to lofty NFL expectations, having topped 800 receiving yards in a season just once, and he's coming off a year-long suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Still, Stallworth has incredible speed and could fit in nicely as the Ravens' deep threat.
What must be done: Stallworth has to make sure that he's in playing shape, both physically and mentally. A year away from the game can create some rust, but to his credit, Stallworth has worked incredibly hard to try and get up to speed since signing with the Ravens in February. Like Boldin, he needs to continue to work to improve his chemistry with Flacco and learning the offense. If he can get on track, this could end up being a great signing for GM Ozzie Newsome.
Mark Clayton, 5-10, 190 pounds, 6th NFL season
Where he stands: Clayton is the forgotten man in this wide receiving corps. He was the Ravens' No. 2 receiver just a year ago, but with the additions of Boldin and Stallworth, Clayton is rarely talked about anymore. Like Stallworth, he possesses great speed, and still can stretch the defense when on the field. The question is how often he'll actually be on the field this year.
What must be done: Have a very solid camp and preseason. In theory, Clayton would be a good No. 4 wideout, but he doesn't have a lot of special teams experience, something the Ravens value in their backups. He needs to work on that aspect of his game to secure a roster spot.
Demetrius Williams, 6-2, 197 pounds, 5th NFL season
Where he stands: The bubble. This is probably Williams' last chance with the Ravens, who continue to give him a shot despite the fact that the Oregon product has done very little at the NFL level.
What must be done: Stay healthy (which is always an issue for Williams), catch everything thrown his way, and hope for the best. Williams' size, speed and potential have been enough to keep him around up to this point, but it's make-or-break time for D.Wil.
Marcus Smith, 6-1, 215 pounds, 3rd NFL season
Where he stands: Smith, who missed the entire 2009 season with a knee injury, is also fighting for a roster spot. He isn't as experienced as Clayton and Williams, but he has the edge over those two in one area - special teams ability. The Ravens love Smith's ability to contribute in multiple aspects of the game.
What must be done: Show that he's fully recovered from that knee injury and prove that he can consistently catch the ball. He needs to take the next step offensively to stick around.
Justin Harper, 6-3, 215 pounds, 3rd NFL season
Where he stands: Harper was the Ravens' training camp All-Star last year, but he was far too inconsistent in the preseason. The former seventh-round pick bounced between the practice squad and the active roster last year.
What must be done: He has shown flashes, but needs to become a more reliable option if he has any chance at the 53-man roster. A more likely option is the practice squad, which Harper is still eligible for after spending the 2008 season on Injured Reserve.
Eron Riley, 6-3, 200 pounds, 1st NFL season
Where he stands: Riley intrigued a lot of fans last year with his size and his performance in the final preseason game. The undrafted free agent out of Duke used a year on the practice squad to refine his route running, but he still has a ways to go.
What must be done: Show that he has made strides from this time last year and learned from a full season around the team. Another season on the practice squad is a possibility for Riley.
David Reed, 6-0, 190 pounds, Rookie
Where he stands: Reed was one of the most impressive performers in offseason minicamps, showing off his smooth route running and impressive hands. He also could make an impact on special teams and will compete for the kick return job. He still has lots to learn, but the fifth-round pick out of Utah has a decent shot at a roster spot.
What must be done: Learn Cam Cameron's offense and continue to catch everything. The coaches liked what they saw from Reed in OTAs, he just needs to get more comfortable with the playbook and do whatever is asked of him on special teams.
Rodelin Anthony, 6-5, 230 pounds, Rookie
Where he stands: He stands very tall, that's where he stands. Anthony is the type of guy that would have had Ravens fans going nuts in previous years because of his size and raw potential, but there isn't much room for him on this Ravens team.
What must be done: Everything. Anthony won't get a lot of reps in camp, so he needs to make the most of every single opportunity to get noticed.
